Travelista Gift Guide - Claus Porto Soaps

With Christmas soon upon us I thought I'd give my Travelista European inspired gift ideas.

Claus Porto soaps have been made in Porto, Portugal for the last 117 years. Originally founded by two German chemists, Ferdinand Claus and Georges Schwedder, the company has evolved but still uses artisinal methods and strives to create works of art. The exotic and intoxicating blends of fragrances are sure to entrance anyone: grapefruit and fig, acacia and tuberose, citron and verbena, lime and basil are just a few of the inspiring fragrance combinations the company produces.

The packaging is gorgeous as well. Some soaps come in an Art Deco inspired wrapping while others take a nod from the Portuguese palette found in its famous tiles. In addition to the wonderful soaps they also produce hand lotions, bath products, candles, and products for men. They were recently included in Oprah's list of Favorite Things for 2007, if Oprah likes them you know they've got to be good.

Travelista European Trend Report - Purple Passion

Purple was a predominant color on the streets of Europe this fall, in line with the trend of bold jewel toned colors. Punches of purple accessories enliven a neutral travel wardrobe and get you in on the trend.

The easiest way to integrate the color purple with your travel outfits is a scarf. A pashmina type scarf looks great especially over a neutral coat. A purple sash belt, purple colored gloves, or a cute eggplant beret provide personality to travel neutrals. A plum handbag provides functionality to the trend.

Several fashionistas were spotted sporting purple tights. This look is doable with a good, versatile travel dress.

Remember when integrating color into a travel wardrobe, a little goes a long way. Stick to using accessories to integrate color with your travel neutrals. Purple complements most travel neutrals. Pair purple with black or brown. Purple gives gray a sophisticated yet fashiony twist.

Travelista European Trend Report - Trench Coats

Every style, shape, and color of trench coat were seen on the streets of Europe. While the trench coat may be experiencing a "trend moment" right now no one can deny it's power as a classic.

Trench coats are a great piece of outerwear for your travel wardrobe. They add instant chic in addition to being a functional piece of clothing. They look great over pants /jeans and pair well with travel dresses and tights as well.

Lightweight trenches can last into colder months by layering over turtlenecks, sweater dresses, or chunkier knits (but not too bulky). Adding scarves and hats will also extend it's seasonal wear.

Choose a style that best works for your body and your style. Classic is always best. However, sometimes an update of a classic can look fresh and modern. Trenches that have a metallic sheen, patterned or short are just a few of the updated versions.

Single breasted styles will keep the lines clean, double breasted styles must be chosen carefully to avoid looking bulky. Wearing your trench belted will provide the most flattering look but the trench can also be worn open with the belt tied in the back.

Your outerwear will be the item most people will see first so make sure it is flattering and comfortable. During the cooler and winter months what you wear underneath your coat won't be as noticeable so a nice coat will take you far.

What to Wear and What NOT to wear in Churches in Italy

Dressing appropriately is required to enter some churches in Italy. A dress code is strictly enforced in places such as St. Peter’s in the Vatican. Surprised tourists may find themselves stranded waiting for less than flattering “loaners”. Don’t find yourself in the same situation, follow these guidelines on the days you are planning to visit Italian churches. If you need more information about what to wear to Europe check out the Travel Clothes Guidelines.

So what should be avoided?
Basically, don’t dress like Britney Spears when entering churches, these are places of worship and therefore appropriate dress is required:

• No mini-skirts

• No exposed midriffs

• No short shorts

• No exposed knees

• No exposed shoulders

• No tank tops

What is considered appropriate when visiting Italian churches?

• Clothing that covers the shoulders

• Skirts, shorts, or dresses that go past the knee or pants (jeans OK)

• Tops that completely cover the midriff area

• Wearing a shawl to cover up bare shoulders is considered acceptable

• If you only plan to wear shorts during your trip use a pareo and wear it as a wrap skirt to cover up upon entering churches

• Men should expect to wear pants to enter most major churches. Also short or long sleeve shirts are fine, NO tank tops.

Not all churches enforce this dress code but it is best to err on the side of caution. Always pack a shawl or cardigan in case you need to conform to dress requirements.

Travelista European Trend Report - Jeans are OK, Really

In the past denim might not have been OK to wear in Europe because it was considered too casual. That is so no longer the case.

Everyone, I mean everyone wears jeans - they are perfectly acceptable. They are nearly as ubiquitous as they are here in the states. Now, it's not just any jeans mind you, they must fit well- that means no relaxed, pleated, or tapered styles. Flattering styles include the bootcut, trouser cut, and wide leg styles.

A decent top, doesn't have to be fancy, a nice jacket add a scarf and you are set.

If you've wondered if jeans are acceptable for a travel wardrobe, rest assured they are. Of course denim in a travel friendly fabric with a high synthetic content is preferable, especially if you will being doing laundry on the road. However, that can be hard to find.

I advise just packing one pair too avoid excess bulky items in your luggage.

If you really want to save luggage room wear your bulky items, such as jeans, on travel days. Then they won't take up precious room in your suitcase.

Coming up tommorow...what denim shapes are dominating the streets of Europe? Any guesses?

Travelista European Trend Report - Orange Crush on Paris

While in Paris recently I saw pops of orange everywhere. It seems the city is enamored of orange and I saw it on everything from scarves, dresses, handbags, and sneakers.

I don't recommend the full on orange treatment for travel wear but a few shots of orange here and there will definitely spice up your travel wardrobe. An orange handbag or scarf is an easy way to incorporate the color. For the adventuresome, shoes with orange in them would complement denim, brown, or gray.

I bought a scarf that had orange in it after noticing the trend in Paris. It's fun to see what the local fashion trends are in European cities, usually you can get in on the look easily by checking out the local clothing retailers. If it's a color, as in this instance, I generally always go for a scarf. It's cheap (usually less than 10 Euros) and easy to pack for the remainder of my trip-remember you still have to lug around what you buy. Here are some other ideas if you want to incorporate the trend:

Travelista European Trend Report - Chucks are Chic

In my opinion, Converse All Stars, or Chucks never really go out of style. They are an enduring classic and while wild prints and colors may bedeck some of them, the shoe itself is always identifiable.

During my past trip to Europe I saw that Chucks are a definite trend right now. The style most that was most prevalent was the classic Chuck style in white or cream and either low or high top. I spotted these on everyone from fresh faced teenagers to glamorous fashion types.

The prevailing trend In Europe is to wear Chucks with skinny jeans. I also saw them combined with trouser pants for a smart effect. Hi- tops worn with skinny, cropped pants were also common.

Many Europeans have adopted the classic sneaker and it was interesting to see the different ways they integrated it with their own personal style. As you can see from my photos above one woman has chosen to combine her Chuck hi-tops with a luxurious fur, avant garde designer pants, and a classic Chanel purse. The second woman has chosen a more artistic route with her textured vest and monochromatic look.

For a casual sort of chic Chucks might have potential as travel shoe. Especially if you are younger or just fancy yourself young they can be modified to work as a walking shoe. I've never found my Chucks to be that comfortable but with a little customization the comfort level could improve.

The backs of the shoe always cause a blister on me so Heavenly Heelz by Foot Petals should solve that problem. If you are planning on doing a significant amount of walking insoles could be a handy modifications as well. In case these don't work out a blister kit always helps.

I probably will not be using Chucks as a travel shoe anytime soon but I'm thinking about picking up a fresh pair and pairing them with my my trouser cut pants as I saw expertly done in Paris. The Converse All Star is definintely a classic and one to consider when making your next shoe purchase.

$39.99 at Amazon.com

Chucks and Chanels, one of my favorite shots of Chanel fashion show attendees.

My Perfect Travel Outfit

In preparing and packing for my last trip to Europe I test drove a new travel outfit . I usually rely on a combination of denim and black trousers, fitted or detailed tees, fitted button down oxfords, thin knit sweaters and a trench or heavy coat (depending on weather).

This time I decided to include a dress into my repetoire, actually I included two. My trousers are quite comfortable and that is usually what I wear on the plane. They don't dig in to my waist necessarily but I thought I would try something new.

Following my Travel Clothes Guidelines I found that I already had a lightweight black mini shirt dress, I added black leggings, and my black travel shoes as my airplane "travel" outfit. It was quite a comfortable outfit as there was no binding waistband to have to deal with on the long flight over and I felt dressed and ready to go once we landed. Of course I also had my trusty pashmina wrap which served me well when the plane cabin got chilly.

I know some of you may be sick of leggings by now but they really are a useful inclusion in your travel wardrobe. Tights are also an alternative but they might be a bit too constricting to wear on a long plane ride. I was relieved once I landed to see leggings everywhere and worn by everyone, young and not so young (more on that in my upcoming Travelista Trend Reports). I topped off the look with my trusty trench and I was set. This was definitely a better alternative to the sweat suits favored by some while traveling and I felt super comfortable.

My travel shoes are Dansko Professional Clogs. My Dansko's have been on many trips and logged many miles, this time I upgraded to the black patent style. Now these won't be seen on many Europeans but they are comfortable and they give me an extra 2 inches of height, sacrifices must be made for functionality. Check out my footwear section for more options.

A ballet flat style shoe can also be a great travel shoe. The Cole Haan Nike Air Series has Nike technology that makes for a comfortable walking experience.

Got a favorite travel or in transit outfit? Let me know!